Bill To Help Laid-Off Firefighters Now Law

The law (A-2031) permits municipal fire departments to hire a laid off firefighter without utilizing a Civil Service list – provided, in part, that the termination occurred within 60 months before appointment with the new fire department.

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Under former law, a firefighter who was laid off for reasons of the economy could be appointed to a new position with another municipality within 36 months of the termination without utilizing any Civil Service lists.

This new law – signed Tuesday – extends that time period to 60 months to be consistent with the current reemployment policy for laid off police officers.

The bill was approved 76-0 by the Assembly in February and 40-0 by the Senate in May. It takes effect immediately.